In the MAPC region, as elsewhere, road vehicles are a major source of local ultrifine particle (UFP) emissions, and residents living near roadways with high levels of these emissions are exposed to significantly increased levels of UFP pollution. I oversaw an analysis to quantify the proximity of different populations to major sources of vehicle air pollution across the region. This report identifies key areas in the region where residents live close to large sources of vehicle pollution and quantifies the racial inequities that exist in pollution proximity. 

I directed a research effort to assess the racial, ethnic, age, and gender characteristics of the municipal work force in Metropolitan Boston. We compared characteristics of municipal employees to the private sector workforce and to the constituents they serve. Working with the MAPC Municipal Collaboration department, we Identified critical issues related to aging of the workforce and lack of diversity in key occupations, including public safety, education, and management. MAPC engaged municipal leaders and stakeholders in dialogue around the implications of the report findings and policy solutions. 

Climate change will affect some communities more than others, as a result of both physical and social factors. I oversaw the production of a regional climate vulnerability index that characterizes risk for each census tract in the MAPC region. This index combines climate exposure data (flood risk, heat) with information about sociodemographic, public health, housing, and workforce conditions to help identify which populations are most vulnerable to climate disruptions.

Measuring progress toward regional goals is the central objective of MAPC’s Indicators Program; The very first indicators report (2011) was about the “State of Equity in Metro Boston” and I was a major contributor to that product and the subsequent policy agenda. In 2017,  I oversaw the effort to update the indicators, with a focus on highlighting areas of progress or retreat.  That update was the foundation for a new Equity Policy Agenda that identifies specific actions for addressing racial equity. 

The City of Boston operates a robust summer youth jobs program, but administrators have struggled to match applicants to jobs and confirm placements in a timely and efficient manner. In 2015, our team received a $200,000 grant from the Civic Tech Data Collaborative (CTDC) to tackle the design of a more effective and accessible youth employment system. I oversaw a user-centered design process that engaged youth and city staff in identifying priority needs and evaluating potential solutions. This input shaped two key products: a digital application that matches applicants to available jobs based on interest, proximity, and work history; and a new communications strategy that uses text messaging to interact with applicants. Rollout of the products resulted in markedly higher job acceptance rates, a greater share of jobs being filled, and improved participant satisfaction.  

With funding from the HUD Sustainable Communities Program, I designed and led an effort to analyze potential neighborhood change that could result from the extension of light rail service through Somerville, Massachusetts. Our team researched current demographics and historical changes; and we developed methods to project changes in rents, tenure, and sales prices following new transit service. The final report estimated households at risk of displacement from a variety of mechanisms and identified high-priority public policies to prevent displacement. We also developed a comprehensive set of neighborhood indicators to track demographic, economic, travel, and other metrics.